How to make it

Line a sheet pan with waxed paper. Cut 1-inch off the end of each banana. Insert a popsicle stick into the cut-end of each banana, pushing the stick halfway in, leaving the other end exposed for use as a handle. Place the bananas on the sheet pan and freeze 1 hour.

Melt the chocolate and butter in a bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring occasionally.

Arrange the dipping decorations on several flat plates. Working with 1 banana at a time, dip it in the chocolate and turn to completely coat (spoon some on, if needed). Roll the dipped banana in the desired decorations, transfer to the sheet pan, and return to the freezer.

I'd like to add a couple of tips to this recipe that I've learned from experience. First, it's really important to let your... bananas ripen until they are covered with *small* brown spots. That ensures that their sugar level is optimal. Next, when you freeze them, do not place them in a freezer bag. Moisture that evaporates from the bananas as they freeze will result in ice crystals on the bananas if it is trapped within a plastic bag. This ice will melt into the chocolate when you dip the bananas and cause the chocolate clump. If you do see ice crystals on the frozen bananas, brush it off prior to dipping them. In addition to being a great tasting treat, frozen bananas are also a good food source. For a good description of nutritional benefits, see: http://www.totally-bananas.net.